What an honor to work on this book! Doors of Chaos is one of the first projects where TOKYOPOP has teemed up with our Japanese editors in Tokyo and some extremely talented artists to make some dazzling manga! And Ryoko Mitsuki is no exception. Not only is her artwork real eye candy for the average gothic & Lolita fan, but it’s clear she put plenty of thought into the complex story and even more unique world! Even as the editor, I’m more than anxious to read each new chapter that arrives at my desk, and I hope you have just as good a time falling into the world Mitsuki-sensei has created as I did. Be sure to check out the bonus section in the back of volume 2 for an inside look into this gothic creator’s life!
~Katherine Schilling, Editor
When all the doors open, the world will slip into chaos
Only the twins Clalisa (open) and Mizeria (close) control the Four Doors that protect the world from descending into chaos. When Rihitel, their guardian, kidnaps Clalisa, he weakens the Door of Chaos and demons begin to pour through, threatening to destroy the entire kingdom. Will Mizeria find her sister in time to close the door and restore order to the world?
The premier global release from Japanese manga-ka Ryoko Mitsuki is a Gothic tour de force that travels beyond space and time to worlds you've never dreamt possible.
Mizeria – Mizeria is a lively and tomboy-ish twin older sister. As the “Closing Key” for the 4 Doors, she was raised hidden from public view. She goes on a journey to close the doors and to bring back her sister and return to their old happy life with her sister and Rikhter.
Clarissa – Clarissa is Mizeria’s twin younger sister. As the “Opening Key” for the 4 Doors, she was raised deep within the palace with Mizeria. She is more mature than her older sister, but she was taken by Rikhter during her Coming-of-Age ceremony. She has gentler personality than Mizeria.
Rikhter – Rikhter is the young man who takes care of Mizeria and Clarissa. For the two, he was the only connection to the outside world, but he is actually the “Key Guardian” who monitors and protects the “Living Keys”. He takes Clarisa during her Coming-of-Age ceremony, and leaves on a journey to open the doors. He has a quiet and calm personality.
Zelfa – Zelfa is the acting “Key Guardian”. Because Rikhter betrayed his duty as the Guardian, Zelfa appears in front of Mizeria. He goes on a journey with Mizeria to chase after Clarisa and Rikhter. He has a straight-forward and lively personality, and fights often with Mizeria but they still get along.
Blogcritics
I'm impressed with Doors of Chaos. It grabbed me from the start, and I let dinner burn in my rush to see what would happen next.
Mizeria and Clarissa are sisters living in a locked garden in the kingdom of Druaddle. They are harmonizers, women capable of stabilizing the harmonies that run through all living things. But Mizeria and Clarissa are special because they are living keys, one to open and one to close the four doors that link their world to a much darker evil plane.
On the night of their 16th birthdays and coming-of-age ceremony, the girls are attacked by dark beings. Clarissa is kidnapped by their trusted tutor, Rikhter. Mizeria is shocked and believes that Rikhter must have had a good reason to kidnap her sister. He has been there all her life, and Mizeria, no matter what happens, refuses to believe that he would ever harm Clarissa or herself.
Zelfa, a member of the Jishouin, a mysterious order dedicated to protecting the living keys and keeping the four doors closed, shows up to save Mizeria in the nick of time. Though she isn't too receptive at first, Mizeria is finally convinced that Zelfa really is there to help and protect her. Clarissa is the key to open the four doors, and Rikhter, for whatever reason, is determined to use her to open them. Mizeria, with the help of Zelfa and other members of the mysterious Jishouin, follow behind Rikhter and Clarissa, attempting to close the doors they try to open.
The artwork is average - better than most - and I enjoyed the style. As Mitsuki says in the postscript, "The artwork and story still have a long way to go." But this is such a great start that I'm sure that Mitsuki will deliver as the series continues.
Doors of Chaos is rated 16+ for mild violence, moderate gore, strong language (the only thing that really stood out to me here were a few minor swear words and the use of the word "wench," which just made me laugh) and some mild fan service. Over all, it's a great start to a series, and I can't wait to pick up the next volume in August to see if Mizeria can close all the doors and rescue her sister Clarissa.
~Katie McNeill, Blogcritics
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/01/27/093943.php
Anime Sentinel
Keys to the doors, one to open, one to close. This is the fate of twins Clalisa, to open, and Mizeria, to close, a fate that never seemed too burdensome until their coming of age 16th birthday. Raised together away from the rest of society the girls are always in the company of their protector Rihitel and their time together is that of dreams, which turn to nightmares when Rihitel betrays and kidnaps Clalisa and begins to open the doors, the Four Doors of Chaos. There is a delicate balance between two worlds, one the land of humans where the girls reside, the other a dark and twisted land of demons. Long separated by the sealing of four doors, portals, it’s Rihitel’s betrayal and the opening of one of the doors that sets everything in motion. While trying to take Mizeria, Rihitel is thwarted by a savior in white, his opposite a protector who is protecting Mizeria. Now it’s Mizeria’s time to hunt for her sister while avoiding demons around every corner, her betrayer as well as the reality of the world outside her protected realm.
The story crafted by Ryoko Mitsuki is gothic in look and feel. There is a very medieval vibe to the settings with kings and royalty, long flowing elegant gowns and dashing heroes with swords at their sides and very real and discernable bad guys around every corner. While it’s clear who’s on which side it’s the why that will get readers hooked. The naivety of Mizeria and the sudden betrayal she must face will consume readers as it does our main actress in this cross-dimensional drama. See I’m leaving out some of the groups and characters because part of the joy I took from this book is having these new groups thrust on you as you read, but what I will share is he story and it’s progression. It moves very fast from its secret garden origins to the party being crashed, which is great, get right too it. I love a good build-up, and this book very easily could have spent a few volumes fleshing out the back-story, but it’s this fast pace that is the real hook. I don’t yet know how deep these characters are, but I do know I want to find out, find out why Rihitel betrayed those he swore to protect, find out what’ sup with Clalisa, is she going along with it. I also have the hunch the demons may not, big maybe, be as bad as they seem. White and black are not always solid colors after all. The art style also seems to be evolving as you can tell Mitsuki is getting better with each page, characters more unique and the detail outstanding down to every frilly piece of clothing.
~ James Fleenor, Anime Sentinel
http://animesentinel.blogspot.com/2008/04/doors-of-chaos-vol-1-manga-impression.html
It was great! I'm so exctited for the next volume to come out!!
MISSGROSSIE
01.05.2008 08:52 PM